4.8
(31)
409
riders
50
rides
Touring cycling around East Whittier features a landscape characterized by rolling hills, extensive trail networks, and numerous parks. The region includes the Whittier Hills, offering varied terrain and panoramic views, and the Whittier Narrows Natural Area with its riparian woodlands and lakes. Dedicated cycling infrastructure, such as the Whittier Greenway Trail, provides accessible paths for active transportation and recreation. This area offers a diverse environment for touring cyclists, combining natural features with urban green spaces.
Last updated: May 14, 2026
3.0
(1)
4
riders
31.4km
02:00
280m
270m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
14
riders
19.6km
01:10
70m
70m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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11
riders
27.2km
01:37
100m
100m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
riders
9.84km
00:45
140m
140m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
riders
51.3km
03:35
950m
950m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The San Gabriel Dam is a rockβfill structure completed in 1939 on the San Gabriel River and is used for flood control.
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Ride through Turnbull Canyon and be rewarded with stunning views of Los Angeles County and surround yourself with a mix of natural beauty and historical intrigue. The road climbs with an average gradient of 5.2%, gaining 775 feet in elevation and peaking at 1,161 feet. Be cautious of fast-driving vehicles on the winding roads.
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Climbing up into La Habra Heights gives a rewarding view down into the city of Anaheim below.
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There is a parking lot and restroom here at the trailhead, which provides access to a large network of paved and packed dirt trails along the beautiful Rio Hondo. The trailhead closes at sunset.
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be cautious, lots of young fast and furious wannabe racers out on the canyon at all hours of the day. listen to your surroundings. be safe
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As you bike near Turnbull Debris Basin, observe its crucial function in storing runoff and sediment, acting as a safeguard against downstream flooding and sedimentation, and protecting human life and property. Positioned along the canyon road en route to the Turnbull Canyon Trailhead, it plays a vital role in mitigating flood risks downstream, ensuring community safety.
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As you hike near Turnbull Debris Basin, observe its crucial function in storing runoff and sediment, acting as a safeguard against downstream flooding and sedimentation, and protecting human life and property. Positioned along the canyon road en route to the Turnbull Canyon Trailhead, it plays a vital role in mitigating flood risks downstream, ensuring community safety.
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Built in 1848 by Pico, the last governor of Mexican California, explore the restored adobe home, furnished with period pieces, offering a glimpse into Pico's life and 19th-century California living.
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East Whittier offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 50 options available. These routes cater to various skill levels, including 20 easy, 22 moderate, and 8 difficult trails.
The terrain for touring cycling in East Whittier is quite varied. You'll find routes with rolling hills, extensive trail networks, and dedicated bike paths. Areas like the Whittier Hills offer varied terrain with significant elevation changes and panoramic views, while routes such as the San Gabriel River Dam β Bosque del Rio Hondo loop are mostly paved and easier.
Yes, East Whittier has several easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. The Pio Pico State Historic Park loop from South Whittier is an easy 12.2-mile ride, and the San Gabriel River Dam β Bosque del Rio Hondo loop is another easy option with mostly paved surfaces. The Whittier Greenway Trail is also a 7.3-mile recreational bikeway that is generally flat and accessible.
Many routes offer scenic views. The Whittier Hills provide panoramic views that can include downtown Los Angeles, Catalina Island, and the Pacific Ocean on clear days. The Coyote Hills loop also features panoramic vistas and passes by Laguna Lake. The Whittier Narrows Natural Area, bordering the San Gabriel River, offers riparian woodland and four lakes, ideal for nature observation.
Yes, many of the popular touring cycling routes in East Whittier are circular. Examples include the Coyote Hills loop, the Laguna Lake loop from La Mirada High School, and the Pio Pico State Historic Park loop from South Whittier. These loops allow you to start and end at the same point, making logistics easier.
You can visit Pio Pico State Historic Park, which preserves the adobe home of the last governor of Alta California under Mexican rule. The Whittier Greenway Trail also features six 'stations' that highlight Whittier's history and growth, offering insights into the region's past as you cycle.
While specific dog-friendly designations for cycling routes can vary, many of the multi-use trails and parks in East Whittier generally welcome leashed dogs. It's always best to check local park regulations for specific trails, but areas like the Whittier Greenway Trail and many city parks are popular for walks with dogs.
East Whittier generally offers pleasant cycling conditions for much of the year. Spring and fall typically provide mild temperatures, making them ideal. Summers can be warm, so early morning or late afternoon rides are recommended. Winters are usually mild, allowing for year-round cycling, though occasional rain may occur.
Yes, the Whittier Greenway Trail is designed to promote active transportation and connects to the broader LA County trail network, suggesting accessibility via public transport links within the metropolitan area. For specific routes, checking local bus routes or Metrolink stations near trailheads would be advisable.
Many parks and trailheads in East Whittier offer parking facilities. For instance, routes like the Robert E. Ward Nature Preserve loop start near Ralph B. Clark Regional Park, which typically has parking. The Whittier Greenway Trail also has various access points with parking available in adjacent neighborhoods or designated lots.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 30 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse environment, combining natural features like rolling hills and riparian woodlands with well-maintained urban green spaces and dedicated bike paths. The variety of routes suitable for different ability levels is also frequently highlighted.
Yes, for more experienced riders seeking a challenge, the region offers routes with significant elevation changes. The Turnbull Canyon Road loop, accessible from the East Whittier area, is known for its challenging climbs and descents. While not a specific komoot route in this guide, the Whittier Hills area generally provides more demanding terrain for those looking for a strenuous ride.


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